Matthew Lillard’s Triumphant Return: Scream 7 and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

Introduction: A Horror Icon’s Comeback

Matthew Lillard, the beloved actor who became a defining figure in horror cinema through his iconic role as Stu Macher in the original 1996 Scream, is experiencing a remarkable career resurgence. In January 2025, it was announced that Lillard was returning to the Scream franchise for its seventh entry, having previously played Stuart ‘Stu’ Macher in the first film. This news has thrilled fans worldwide, particularly as Lillard’s character was memorably killed off in the original film. His return demonstrates the enduring appeal of both the actor and the franchise, whilst highlighting the importance of legacy characters in modern horror cinema.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2: Reuniting Scream Kings

Lillard and Ulrich, both age 55, stepped out at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 2 for the premiere of the new sequel to Five Nights at Freddy’s. The two actors, who both appear in the new film, looked nothing short of ecstatic to be back together again during the red carpet event, nearly 30 years after their collaboration in Scream. Lillard, who appeared in the first Five Nights at Freddy’s film in 2023, reprises his role as William Afton in the upcoming sequel. The first film was a massive commercial success, earning $297.1 million worldwide, making the sequel highly anticipated amongst fans of the video game franchise.

However, Lillard has tempered expectations regarding his screen time. He revealed that the plan is to make three movies and explained: “Our hope is that we get to do three films. That’s always been the plan. Everything is dependent on how the movie does in theaters.” Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 will premiere in theaters on Dec. 5, 2025.

Expanding His Horror Portfolio

Beyond these two major franchises, Lillard continues to expand his presence in the horror and thriller genres. After landing roles in the second seasons of two hit series — Daredevil: Born Again from Marvel and Amazon MGM’s Cross — Matthew Lillard has entered talks to join the latter studio’s series Carrie, based on the iconic debut novel from Stephen King. The project reunites him with Mike Flanagan, his director on another King adaptation, The Life of Chuck, which won the coveted People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival.

Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented

Matthew Lillard’s return to the Scream franchise, combined with his continued involvement in Five Nights at Freddy’s and new collaborations with acclaimed directors like Mike Flanagan, underscores his status as a modern horror icon. Paramount has set a Feb. 26, 2026 release date for Scream 7, ensuring that fans won’t have to wait long to see how the franchise addresses Stu Macher’s surprising resurrection. For audiences and industry observers alike, Lillard’s career trajectory demonstrates the enduring value of authentic performances and the power of nostalgia in contemporary cinema. His ability to balance blockbuster horror franchises with critically acclaimed independent projects positions him as one of the genre’s most versatile performers.